Atiku accepts ADC nomination as zoning dispute threatens opposition coalition

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally accepted the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after defeating former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in the party’s presidential primary election.

Atiku received the party’s flag from the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, during a ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday night, officially confirming him as the coalition’s standard-bearer for the 2027 presidential election.

The former vice president secured a landslide victory in the primary, polling about 1.8 million votes, while Amaechi scored 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen garnered 177,120 votes.

His victory followed strong performances across several northern states where he established an early lead that eventually proved insurmountable. Atiku recorded wide margins in states including Kano, Gombe, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara, while Amaechi maintained pockets of support in parts of the South-South.

However, despite the overwhelming victory, the outcome of the primary has sparked fresh debate within the opposition coalition over zoning and the rotation of presidential power between the North and South.

Several southern stakeholders in the coalition are said to be uncomfortable with the emergence of another northern candidate barely four years after President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

The disagreement mirrors the internal crisis that weakened the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the 2023 elections when disputes over zoning divided party leaders and governors.

Political observers believe the ADC may now face a difficult task in maintaining unity ahead of the 2027 polls, especially if influential southern figures become disillusioned with the process.

Concerns have particularly centred on the reaction of Amaechi’s political bloc and the broader southern coalition within the party.

Some party members argue that fielding another northern candidate against Tinubu could strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s regional narrative that the opposition is attempting to cut short southern leadership after only one term.

The issue is expected to resonate strongly in parts of the South-West and South-South where zoning sentiments remain politically sensitive.

Within the South-East, concerns have also emerged following reports that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may have distanced himself from the ADC coalition.

Analysts warn that losing southern support could significantly weaken the opposition’s chances in 2027, noting that presidential elections in Nigeria are rarely won without broad regional alliances.

Although ADC leaders insist that all aspirants agreed to support whoever emerged from the primary, tension has continued to build beneath the party’s public show of unity.

Some supporters of Amaechi reportedly believe the zoning issue was deliberately ignored in order to favour Atiku’s ambition.

There are also fears among some southern politicians that the coalition could become heavily dominated by northern political interests following Atiku’s emergence.

If Amaechi reduces his involvement in the coalition, the ADC could lose critical political influence in Rivers State and other parts of the South-South where the former governor retains loyal supporters.

Meanwhile, former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, said the party leadership was already working to calm frayed nerves within the coalition.

He maintained that the ADC remained committed to internal democracy and inclusiveness despite the emerging disagreements.

Similarly, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, urged party members not to lose faith in the coalition, saying political alliances and negotiations ahead of 2027 could still reshape the opposition landscape.

Veteran journalist and ADC chieftain, Dele Momodu, also defended the conduct of the primary election following complaints by Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen over alleged irregularities.

Momodu criticised attempts to discredit the process before the final collation of results was completed.

“I plead once again with Rotimi Amaechi and Muhammad Hayatu-Deen to please cool tempers and let the process be concluded before they raise concerns,” he said.

He warned that internal disputes could weaken the opposition’s efforts to challenge President Tinubu in the next election cycle.

The presidential primary, conducted in Abuja under the supervision of the Ikechi Emenike-led election committee, was temporarily adjourned on Tuesday night before final collation resumed on Wednesday.

According to Emenike, the exercise was suspended to allow Muslim members celebrate Eid-el-Kabir and due to logistical challenges involving some returning officers.

Before the adjournment, Atiku had already established a commanding lead after results from 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory were announced.

In Kano State, he polled 155,595 votes against Amaechi’s 9,994 and Hayatu-Deen’s 15,914. He also recorded dominant victories in Gombe, Sokoto and Borno states.

Amaechi’s strongest performances came from Benue, Taraba and Kogi states, although they were not enough to significantly reduce Atiku’s lead.

Attention has now shifted to whether the ADC coalition can overcome its internal divisions and present a united front ahead of the 2027 presidential election.